Mexico to Form Expert Group to Tackle Caribbean Sargassum Seaweed

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her administration will establish a group of scientists to study the sargassum seaweed phenomenon impacting Caribbean beaches. The government aims to define a comprehensive strategy to confront its growing presence, with a presentation scheduled in approximately 15 days.

During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum noted that sargassum has increased significantly this year and acknowledged the lack of certainty regarding the causes. She emphasized the need to strengthen scientific research to understand why sargassum appears, its origins, and the reasons for changing arrival dates, as well as the best methods for its management.

She explained that sargassum, an algae affecting Caribbean shores, has risen in recent years and began arriving earlier than usual in 2026. Specialists are considering hypotheses such as rising ocean temperatures due to climate change and increased nutrient levels in the sea promoting its reproduction. As part of the strategy, the Navy will expand its capacity to collect sargassum at sea before it reaches beaches, where removal is more difficult and can cause environmental damage.

The Navy is evaluating the acquisition of specialized vessels to boost offshore seaweed collection. Additionally, the plan involves promoting the recycling and utilization of sargassum in coordination with the Quintana Roo government, municipalities, and the hotel sector. Sheinbaum will meet with hotel business owners in about 15 days to agree on actions for each level of government and the private sector to present a unified strategy for the Mexican Caribbean coast.

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We are going to do it in a comprehensive way. First, it already exists, but we are going to formalize it, groups of Mexican scientists who continue to study sargassum in communication with other researchers in the world. Why is the sargassum? What is the cause? Why do the dates change? And also what is the best way to deal with the sargassum?